Licence to Kill is the sixteenth Bond movie and possibly the least dependent on reoccurring formulas. Timothy Dalton gives his second and final performance as Bond in Licence to Kill. Dalton is irritable and disturbed while avenging the attack of his long time friend Felix Leiter. He seeks revenge on the brutal but likable Franz Sanchez, played brilliantly by Robert Davi. Davi's character relies on loyalty, and appears to have little concern for his finances. Sanchez combines his humor and ruthlessness in an interesting blend of traits. Carey Lowell is Pam Bouvier who is despite being the main love interest, is not a very fascinating character. Lupe played very well by Talisa Soto, is much more interesting. She is strong willed but still allows Sanchez to brutally discipline her, this character is very similar to Domino in Thunderball.

Q has a more predominant role in Licence to Kill. He shows concern for Bond by risking his own life to aid the secret agent that he holds in contempt. Ironically Q succumbs to the pressures of being a field operative and throws one of his prized and precious gadgets. Felix Leiter is only used in the beginning, but will hopefully return in later Bond movies. A disability shouldn't stop Leiter, due to the lack of physical exertion in the other films. M departs in Licence to Kill and does so in typical manner. The disapproval towards Bond's methods remain ever present in M's final scene.

Licence to Kill is not really a Bond movie, While it lacks many of the elements that have made the other films so successful, Licence to Kill maintains the fast paced aspects of the series and boasts one memorable set (the meditation buildings). The performances and script in Licence to Kill are decent to say the least